Because you'll need more than a passport

Author: Kirk

Ginza (which literally means “silver mint”) is one of the largest and oldest shopping districts in Tokyo. Most of the upscale stores in this area have more in common with stores you would encounter in a modern western shopping district. There’s even an Apple store here – the first ever opened outside of the United States.

Home of the famous Ginza Lion beer hall, the district is said to feature over 400 art galleries and numerous department stores.

If you’re looking for a long day of shopping, Ginza is probably a good bet. Just remember to check your credit limit before you start your day.

If you’ve come to Tokyo looking for a deal on a new camera or the latest consumer electronic gadget, this is the place to be. Fifty square blocks of massive electronics stores. It’s like taking a space trip and landing on planet transistor. Perhaps the most incredible part of the Akihabara experience is that so many of the stores appear absolutely identical in terms of variety and price. Also be aware that the latest computer and PC gadgets are definitely aimed at the Japanese market, so unless you feel comfortable typing in Kana, you’re not likely to find an enticing deal on the latest hand held computer.

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I spent a whole day wandering around the Akiahbara, which is literally hundreds of small shops selling all manner of electronic parts, devices and equipment. It is the size of a whole city block, under one roof. You’ll find small shops selling everything from individual components (nothing but resisters or capacitors or transisters) to fully assembled systems of all types. If it has anything to do with electronics, You’ll find it here. We were even able to find a magnetron to use in our ship’s radar transmitter.

For an entirely different perspective on this sprawling city, a cruise along the Sumida may be your best bet. The 40 minute cruise is an especially welcome relief after a morning of walking around the city searching for sites of interest. Along the way you’ll pass under a dozen historic bridges, each one unique and architecturally interesting. At the end of the cruise you’ll be perfectly positioned for a walk around Asakusa (Old Downtown Edo).

Like much of Tokyo, Ueno park is a huge bundle of contradictions. While the park is home to the zoo, the Tokyo National Museum and numerous shrines, cultural and historical points of interest, it is also home to Tokyo’s homeless population.

Besides spending some quality time with the pandas and penguins at the zoo you’ll want to be sure to visit a few key attractions including:

The month of April, when all of Tokyo seems to celebrate cherry blossom season at the park — it can get wild in the park.

The statue of the legendary Samurai Takamori Saigo and his dog. Saigo was a 19th century samurai who led a revolt against the Meiji regime. This is the statue Gen. MacArthur wanted removed because he was afraid it would incite too much nationalistic pride. Ultimately he left the statue where it stands after an enormous public protest.

Also of interest is the Toshugo Shrine (circa 1651) and its path of giant stone lanterns (gifts from feudal lords).

The Kiyomizu-Dokannon Temple is where women wishing to become pregnant come to pray to the Goddess of Mercy (fill in your own punch line). Those whoâ€™s prayers are answered return to pray for the health of the child. Many leave dolls behind as a sort of offering. Once a year (in late-September) the dolls are gathered up and burned during a Buddhist ritual.

Harajuku Park is legendary for the culture clash that presents itself there on Sunday afternoons. Years ago some Rockabilly Rebels began dancing to old 50’s music and the rest has become an international legend. The truth of the matter is that these Japanese Rockabilly geeks are not aging so gracefully. The Sunday afternoon band scene also seems to have died out somewhat. On a recent Sunday afternoon the park was flooded with black clad death rockers advertising their devotion to something called “Lunasea”.

If you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon in the park, this is the place to be. If you want to view young-trendy Tokyo in action, leave the park and wander around the surrounding streets of Harajuku.

You won’t see much of the actual palace. (An application and reservation are necessary for a tour.) It’s closed to the public (except on New Year’s Day and the Emperor’s Birthday on Dec 23), but parts of the exterior can be viewed from the Nijubashi Bridge; the wide moat stocked with koiand lined with cherry trees are perfect for an afternoon stroll; the Higashi Goen (East Garden) marks the site of old Edo Castle and has wide paths for walking.

Modeled after the Eiffel Tower, Tokyo Tower is both a city landmark and a wonderful platform from which to see the city. At 333 meters Tokyo Tower is the world’s tallest self-supporting iron tower, a full 13 meters taller than the tower it was modeled after.

There are two decks that offer visitors a chance to view Tokyo from 150 meters and 250 meters. A variety of attractions are also featured at ground level (also known as “foot town”).

You’ll definitely want to make a point to visit Tokyo Tower on your next trip.

Observatories are located in both the north and south towers of the Number 1 building and offer 360 degree views of the city and surroundings. A snack bar and souvenir shop is available. The elevator will stop at the second floor on your descent — displays (in Japanese) give a short history of Tokyo.